Battle continues for youngster Zac

Danny Mitchell

The family of a youngster who has bravely battled cancer for a number of years have vowed to continue their fight to raise money for his essential treatment in Germany.

Little Zac Knighton-Smith looked to be doing well last May when doctors said they could see no trace of the disease.

However, the eight-year-old suffered a relapse and is now undergoing revolutionary experimental treatment to try and fight the cancer.

The youngster, from Rushden, was diagnosed with a cancer called neuroblastoma in 2009 and has battled with it ever since.

He is currently receiving a course of experimental treatment in London, which is in its second trial phase.

His mum Sam Knighton-Smith said they are doing all they can to raise the £15,000 needed to send Zac back to Germany.

She added: “Zac is on the second phase of a trial called LUDO. The first phase showed promising signs, but we just don’t know what will happen on this trial, which is one of the scariest things.

“His treatment knocks him for six, so he will have to be taken back to the Hufeland Clinic in Germany, hopefully in May, to help build him back up and boost his immune system.

“This treatment isn’t covered on the NHS so we need to raise the money.”

A number of events are now being arranged in a fundraising drive for Zac, with Northamptonshire archeological group, Digging up the Past, holding a Charity Metal Detecting Rally Weekend on Saturday, February 23, and Sunday, February 24.

Mrs Knighton-Smith added that she would like to thank everybody who has supported the family throughout the years and any further donations, which can be made on the Zac’s Appeal website, would be appreciated.